Sarri explains decision to leave out Loftus-Cheek

Maurizio Sarri said he decided to leave Ruben Loftus-Cheek out for Chelsea’s win at Southampton because he wants the midfielder to build up his fitness in training.

Loftus-Cheek, overlooked by boss Sarri and then sidelined by injury, returned to action on Thursday, playing 70 minutes of the Europa League win against MOL Vidi.[phone]

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But he was not even on the bench for the match at St Mary’s, where Chelsea won 3-0 to continue their fine start to the season.

Asked if Loftus-Cheek is injured, Sarri explained: “No, not at the moment. After 70 minutes in the last match, for the first time this season, I preferred for him to have training.”

While Loftus-Cheek has struggled to establish himself under Sarri, Ross Barkley goes from strength to strength.

Barkley, recalled to the England squad this week, scored his first Chelsea goal and made a goal for Eden Hazard against the Saints.

“I am very happy for him. He had a serious injury in the previous season but he is improving,” Sarri said.

“Potentially he is a great player. He has quality in the physical and technically point of view and now is improving in the tactical point of view.

“He will become a very important player in England and for the national team.”

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